Achieving Driving Efficiency

The big buzz in equipment these days is “maxing out”---optimizing the match between the driver, the ball and the player to yield launch conditions that maximize driving distance.  One way to look at how effective a player is in achieving his goal is to look at Total Distance Efficiency, a ratio of ball speed to distance. 

Guess who ranks 205^th out of 207 players on the PGA tour?  Tiger Woods.  Fact is, according to ShotLink, Woods has the fastest swing speed at 124.6 mph and the fastest ball speed, too, at 182.69 mph, while his launch angle is low at 7.96 degrees (ranked 190^th) and his spin is high at 3,118 rpms (ranked 188^th).  In essence, Woods contradicts the high launch/low spin mantra most tour players swear by. 

Woods does this by design.  He could achieve more distance (R&D experts say up to 12 to 20 yards. With better launch conditions, but he prefers to use a high-spinning ball in the Nike One Platinum.

The Tiger exception not withstanding, there IS a correlation between distance efficiency and success on tour.  Total money for those in the top 70 in distance efficiency was $44,226,600 through Wachovia. Money for those in the bottom 70 (which includes Woods, Mickelson and Immelman) was $29,673,496.  That is an average of $207, 901.00 more per player for those at the top than at the bottom.

The key to efficiency?  High launch, low spin.  The top 70 average 2 degrees more launch angle than the bottom 70 and pin it 176 rpms less.  The result:  The top 70 hit it 12 yards longer on average, despite the bottom 70 averaging 2 mph more ball speed.

Henrik Stenson tops the tour in efficiency.  Behind him are two players not known for their length, but who clearly get the most out of what they have to work with:  Mike Weir and Scott Verplank.  For them it reflects time well spent on the launch monitor.

So, what does this mean to you?  Well, if you are not a Tiger Woods who can afford to give up yardage, you need to get fitted so you can optimize your driving distance.  Pat Ryan Golf has been optimizing drivers for years.  We are well know for our accomplishments in helping long drive finalists, state champions, and average players maximize their drives.  Take time to read about our fitting process for drivers then call and set up time for a fitting.  You could be hitting the ball further very soon.